Pigs&#39; foot packing apparatus



Sept. 21, 1965 o. H. LINDSTROM PIGS FOOT PACKING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 25, 1962 P 21, 1965 o. H. LINDSTROM 3,206,910

PIGS FOOT PACKING APPARATUS Filed July 25, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4/ 4 flvvavrae United States Patent 3,206,910 PIGS FOOT PACKING APPARATUS Oscar H. Liudstrom, Austin, Minn, assignor to Geo. A. Hormel & Company, Austin, Minm, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 25, 1962, Ser. No. 212,305 Claims. (Cl. 53122) This invention relates to a high capacity process and apparatus for pro-shaping and economically packing irregular-shaped particulate meat products, such as pigs feet, into receptacles such as jars or the like.

An object of this invention is to provide a very high capacity process and apparatus for receiving a predetermined amount, by weight, of irregular-shaped particulate meat product, such as pigs feet, and which is adapted to reshape the meat product by compression molding into a cylindrical form, thereafter ejecting the compressed cylindrically formed product from the mold and into a receptacle, such as a jar, to thereby permit very uniform efficient and effective filling of receptacles with the product.

Another object of this invention is a provision of a novel process and apparatus of the class described wherein automatic, sequentially operated control means are provided for operating the various mechanisms and components thereof, and wherein a pair of master control handles must be simultaneously manipulated to start the cycle of operation thereby requiring the use of both hands of the operator so that maximum safety is obtained.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a process and apparatus of great commercial capacity which may be utilized for continuous line production and which preferably has a mold structure unit positioned to receive a predetermined amount, by weight, of the particulate irregular-shaped meat product such as pigs feet, and wherein said mold unit structure is shiftable to another position and slight compression is applied to the pigs feet therein to compress the same into cylindrical form, and thereafter ejecting the compressed pigs feet from the mold into a jar having a volumetric space only slightly larger than the compressed cylindrically formed quantity of pigs feet.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like character references refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the novel apparatus with certain concealed parts thereof indicated by dotted line configuration;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a diagramatic view of the pneumatic system for operating and controlling the various components of the apparatus; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 55 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows, and certain parts thereof illustrated in an adjusted position by dotted line configuration.

Referring to the drawings it will be seen that one embodiment of the pigs foot packer apparatus designated in its entirety by the reference numeral is there shown. This apparatus 10 includes a generally rectangular shaped housing 11 preferably formed of metallic material and provided with depending support legs 12 which are rigidly affixed thereto. It is pointed out that the housing is hollow and contains many of the various components of the apparatus and also serves to support other mechanisms and components therein.

3,266,916 Patented Sept. 21, 1965 Rigidly mounted upon the housing 11 adjacent one side thereof by means of brackets 13 is a supply bin or pan 14. This supply bin 14 is preferably constructed of stainless steel and includes a bottom wall having upstanding peripheral walls. It will also be noted that the supply bin 14 is of generally rectangular configuration as best seen in FIG. 3 and the one portion of the peripheral wall 14a is of greater height than the remaining peripheral wall portion. This construction permits a greater amount of the irregular-shaped particulate meat products, such as pigs feet, to be piled along this higher wall portion 14a.

A scale mechanism, designated generally by the reference numeral 15, is mounted on the housing 11 so that the weighing platform 16 thereof which is horizontally disposed is positioned closely adjacent the supply bin 14. The scale mechanism 15 is of conventional construction and, per so, does not constitute the present invention. Beside the weighing platform and the other conventional components of scale devices, the scale mechanism 15 is also provided with a weight indicator dial (not shown) so that an attendant or operator may very efliciently and rapidly select a predetermined amount of the irregularlyshaped pigs feet prior to the subsequent compression molding and packing of the pigs feet.

A substantially horizontally disposed packing platform 17 is mounted closely adjacent and substantially coextensive with the weighing platform 16 so that an operator may very quickly and easily remove the pigs feet from the weighing platform to the packing platform. It will be noted as best seen in FIG. 5 that the inner edge 13 of the packing platform 17 is beveled. The packing platform 17 is rigidly mounted on the housing 11 by means of suitable brackets so that the upper surface thereof is disposed at an elevation for convenient handling of the pigs feet product by an attendant.

A pair of spaced-apart trunnion brackets 19, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, are mounted on the upper surface of the housing 11 and these trunnion brackets 19 pivotally support a packing mold trunnion or pivot rod 20. A generally channel shaped open top packing mold structure 21 has its bight portion secured to the pivot rod 20 for movement therewith so that the packing mold structure is readily shiftable between a product-receiving or loading position and a product-molding or packing position. The packing mold structure 21 has both ends thereof open and is preferably constructed of a suitable metallic material such as stainless steel or the like.

It will be noted that one leg 21a of the packing mold structure 21 has an arcuate guard flange 22 integrally formed therewith and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom. The other leg 21b of the packing mold structure 21 projects upwardly beyond the upper edge of the leg 21a and is flared outwardly as at 23 as best seen in FIG. 5. It will be noted that the packing mold structure 21 is disposed in substantially vertical relation when in the product compressing packing position as illustrated in full lines in FIG. 5 and is disposed in inclined relation when disposed in the product-receiving or loading position. It will also be noted that the inner surface of the leg 21a is disposed substantially coextensive with the beveled inner edge 18 of the packing platform 17 when the mold structure is in the product-receiving position.

Means are also provided for shifting the packing mold structure 21 from the product-receiving or loading position to the product molding position. This means includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder 24 having a piston and piston rod or plunger axially movable therein. The piston rod 25 has its outer end pivotally connected to a bracket 26, the latter being rigidly secured to the leg 21b of the packing mold structure 21. Extension of the piston rod 25 causes the packing mold structure 21 to be pivotally moved about its pivot axis 20 to the inclined product-receiving position illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. and retraction of the piston rod 25 moves the mold structure to the vertical product-molding position.

Means are also provided for compressing and shaping the pigs feet with the packing mold structure into gener-' ally cylindrical form. This means includes a shaper and press member 27 which as best seen in FIG. 5, has a generally arcuate lower surface 28. This shaper and. press member 27 is of a length corresponding generally to the length of the packing mold structure 21 and is of a width to be received within the interior of the packing mold structure 21 when the latter is in the product-molding position. This shaper and press member 27 also cooperates with the packing mold structure 21 to form a generally cylindrical molding recess therein when the press member is extended into the mold structure.

Means are also provided for moving this shaper and press member 27 into and out of the mold structure 21 and this means includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder 29 having a piston and piston rod axially movable therein. It will be seen that the lower end of the piston rod or plunger 30 is rigidly connected to the shaper and press member 27 so that upon retraction and extension of the piston rod 30 the shaper and press member is moved into and out'of the mold structure 21. The piston rod also extends upwardly beyond the upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 29 and is provided with a .cam element 31 at its upper terminal end. The function of this cam element will be more fully described herein below. a

A generally vertically disposed support member 32 is rigidly affixed to the housing 11 and projects upwardly therefrom as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. This support element 32 serves to support the pneumatic cylinder 29 in generally vertically disposed relation so that the piston rod 30 thereof is positioned to move the shaper and press member 27 into and out of the mold structure 21.

A front guard plate 33 is mounted on the support member 32 and traverses and closes a space corresponding to the stroke of movement of the shaper and press member 27. This front guard plate 33 prevents an attendant from inadvertently placing his hand below the downwardly moving shaper and press member 27. Thus it will be seen that when the press member 27 is shifted downwardly into the mold structure 21 which contains a predetermined amount of pigs feet, the pigs feet therein will be compressed and shaped into generally cylindrical form to facilitate packing these pigs feet into a conventional container, such as a jar.

Means are therefore provided for ejecting the pigs feet While in the compressed cylindrical form from the mold structure and into a receptacle such as a conventional jar or the like. This ejection means includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder 34 having a piston and pistonrod or plunger movably mounted therein. The piston rod or plunger 35 thereof carries a plunger plate member 36 at its outer end and it will be seen that this plunger plate member 36 is axially extensible through the mold structure 21 and is retractable therefrom. In this connection it will be seen that the pneumatic cylinder 34 is mounted on the housing 11 by a bracket 37 so that the piston rod 35 thereof is in'axial alignment with the mold structure 21 when the latter is in the product-molding or packing position.

In order to properly position the receptacles for receiving the cylindrically shaped mass of pigs feet product, a receptacle holder and positioning device is provided. A support member 38 is mounted on a housingll adjacnt one end thereof and this support member adjustably supports a carriage member 39 thereon. It will be seen that the carriage member 39 is slidably mounted on the sup port member 38 and is adjustable relative thereto so that one of a plurality of receptacle holders and positioning members 40, which are mounted on the carriage member,

may be selectively positioned in alignment with the end of the mold structure 21.

When a receptacle such as a jar is positioned within the receptacle holder and positioning member 40, the mouth of the jar is disposed in close proximity to the end of the mold structure 21, and the jar is then positioned to receive a pre-shaped cylindrical mass of compressed pigs feet when this product is ejected from the mold structure by the plunger member 36. In this connection, the compressed mass of pigs feet product will have a crosssectional diameter only slightly smaller than the mouth of the jar so that the jar may be readily filled with this meat product. s

It is also pointed out that the receptacle holder and positioning member 40 is of different size to accommodate different size jars. It will, of course, be appreciated that a different quantity of pigs feet product will be filled into different size jars. The adjustability of the carriage member 39 permits ready selection of the particular size jars for reception of the meat material therein. Thus it will be seen that a predetermined quantity, by Weight, of pigs feet may be compressed into a cylindrically shaped mass to facilitate packing of this material into a receptacle such as a jar.

The control means for operating the various components of the apparatus are so arranged and constructed that automatic sequential operation of these mechanisms is obtained while providing for maximum safety. Referring now to FIG. 4 it will be seen that pneumatic actuating system and control means therefore is diagrammatically illustrated. In order to actuate the apparatus for the beginning of the cycle, the attendant is required to simultaneously push or manipulatejthe master actuating handles 41 of the control valves 42 which are mounted on the upright support member 32. It will be notedthat the control valve 42 on the right, as viewed in FIG. 4, is connected by a supply line or conduit 43 with a suitable source of air under pressure. The air supply line or conduit 43 has interposed therein a suitable air filter 44 and a lubricator mechanism 45 both of which are of conventional construction and form no part, per se, of the present invention.

The control valve 42 on the left is interposed in flow controlling relation with respect to a conduit 46, the latter also being connected to the control valve 42 on the right as viewed in FIG. 4. With this arrangement it will be seen that the control valves 42 are actually arranged in series with respect to the air supply line or conduit 46 so that both valves must be simultaneously depresed before air will flow through conduit 46 and outwardlyinto the pneumatic system. Thus the operator is required to use both hands in initiating the cycle of operation of the apparatus so that there is little danger that theoperator or attendant Will inadvertently move his hands into the path of any of the moving parts or components of the appara tus.

The conduit 46 is connected to a four way control valve 47 which in turn is connected by conduit 48 to, the double acting pneumatic cylinder 24.: It will be seen "that air under pressure passing through conduit 48 will cause the piston rod 25 of the pneumatic cylinder 24 to be retracted thereby moving the mold structure 21 from the productreceiving to the product-molding position. It is pointed out that at the beginning of the cycle, the mold structure 21 will be positioned in the product-receiving position for receiving the predetermined quantity of pigs feet therein.

As the packing mold structure 21 moves to the productmolding position, a cam 49 carried by the mold structure actuates a valve 50 which is arranged in flow controlling relation with respect to conduit 51 which in turn is connected to a control valve 52. The pilot valve 50 when actuated also actuates the control valve 52 so that air is supplied through conduit 53 to the double acting pneumatic cylinder 29 causing the piston rod 30 to be shifted downwardly which in turn causes the shaper and press member 27 to be moved into the packing mold structure 21. This downward movement of the shaper and press member 27 causes the pigs feet within the packing mold structure to be slightly compressed so that this quantity of pigs feet is pre-shaped into cylindrical form.

As the piston rod or plunger 30 reaches the end of its downward stroke, the cam 31 carried by the upper end thereof engages and actuates pilot valve 54 which is connected by a conduit 55 to control valve 56. When the pilot valve 54 is cammed or tripped by the cam 31, this causes actuation of the control valve 56 which is arranged in flow controlling relation with the conduit 57 so that air under pressure is then supplied to the pneumatic cylinder 34 to cause extension of the piston rod or plunger 35 thereof. As the plunger or piston rod 35 is extended, the pigs feet material within the packing mold structure 21 will be axially ejected and packed into the jar mounted within one of the selected receptacle holder and positioning members 40. It will be noted that the piston rod 35 is provided with a cam 58, the latter engaging a pilot valve 59 as the piston rod approaches the end of its extended stroke.

As the pilot valve 59 is tripped, this valve which is connected by conduit 60 to another pilot valve 61 actuates the latter. Actuation of pilot valve 61 also causes simultaneous actuation of the control valves 52 and 56 since these control valves are connected to the pilot valve 61 by means of conduit 62. It will be seen that conduit 62 has a branch 63 which is interconnected with the control valve 52. Actuation of the control valve 52 by pilot valve 61 causes the piston rod or plunger of the pneumatic cylinder 29 to be retracted since the pneumatic cylinder 29 is connected by conduit 64 to the control valve 52. Similarly the control valve 56 which is connected to the pneumatic cylinder 34 by conduit 65 causes the piston rod or plunger 35 thereof to be retracted.

It will therefore be seen that the shaper and press member 27 is moved vertically forward from the packing mold structure 21 while the plunger 36 is also retractably moved axially from the mold structure 21. As the plunger or piston rod 35 reaches the end of its retracted stroke, the cam 58 carried thereby engages and actuates pilot valve 66, the latter being connected by conduit 67 to the pilot valve 61.

The pilot valve 61 is thereby actuated to close the con duit 62 and to simultaneously open the conduit 67 which is connected in communicating relation with the control valve 47. Air is supplied through conduit 68 from the control valve 47 to the double acting pneumatic cylinder 24 to cause the piston rod or plunger 25 thereof to be extended and to thereby move the mold structure to the product-receiving position.

As this mold structure reaches the product-receiving position, a cam 69 also carried by the mold structure trips and actuates the pilot valve 61 so that the conduit 67 is closed, while simultaneously opening conduit 62. As the mold structure 21 reaches its product-receiving position, one complete cycle of operation of the apparatus has been completed. It will be noted that in order to return the respective pilot valves 54, 59, and 66 to their original position, these pilot valves are all connected to the supply conduit 43. Suitable exhaust ports are provided for these valves so that as these pilot valves are shifted from their original positions at the beginning of the cycle, the air supplied by the conduits 43 will be exhausted therefrom.

In the embodiment illustrated, the double acting pneumatic cylinder 24 which is utilized to shift the packing mold structure 21 between product-receiving and productmolding positions, is of relatively small capacity so that a pressure reducer mechanism 70 is interposed in flow controlling relation with respect to a conduit 71 which extends between the control valve 47 and the main supply conduit 43. Also interposed in the conduit 71 is a pressure release valve 72 which is set to open at a predetermined air pressure. A valve indicator 73 is also provided and is preferably mounted in a position to be readily perceived by an attendant. It is also pointed out that in the embodiment illustrated, the system pressure is approximately 60 p.s.i. and that the pressure reducer serves to reduce the pressure to the pneumatic cylinder 24 to approximateiv 15 to 20 p.s.i. The pressure release valve 72 is set to open at approximately 25 p.s.i.

During normal operation of the apparatus, the attendant or operator will select a predetermined number of pigs feet from the supply bin or pan 14 and place these pigs feet upon the scale platform 16. When the desired weight is obtained, the operator will place the pigs feet within the packing mold structure 21 and will thereafter push the actuating handles 41 to cause the sequential operation of the molding and packing process. The packing mold structures 21 will be moved from the product-receiving position to the product-molding position. A small arcuate guard flange 22 completely closes the opening between the packing latform 17 and the packing mold structure 21 so that there is no danger during the cycle of operation of the apparatus for the operator or attendant to move his hands or fingers into the path of movement of this packing mold structure. This arcuate guard flange 22 also prevents any material from falling into the interior of the housing 11. As the packing mold structure is moved to the product-molding position, the shaper and press member 27 is moved downwardly to engage and slightly compress the mass or quantity of pigs feet within the packing mold structure to shape the same into generally cylindrical form.

After the pigs feet have been compressed by the shaper and press member 27 and while the latter is in cooperating relation with the packing mold structure 21, the piston rod or plunger 35 of the pneumatic cylinder 34 is extended to eject the cylindrically shaped quantity of pigs feet and force the same into a jar or other suitable recep tacle which is mounted in the receptacle holder and positioning member 40. The plunger 30 and the plunger 35 are each returned to their retracted position and the piston rod or plunger 25 of the pneumatic cylinder 24 is thereafter returned to its extended osition so that the packing mold structure is again positioned in the product-receiving position. Thus the entire cycle of operation has been completed.

It is pointed out that immediately after the attendant or operator 41 moves the actuating handles 41, the operator then begins the selection and weighing step for the next cycle. A predetermined quantity, by weight, of the pigs feet to be placed in the mold will have been weighed and positioned upon the packing platform 17 either before, during or after the completion of the cycle. The filled jar will be removed from the receptacle holder and positioning member and another jar will be ositioned in place for filling during the next cycle of operation. It will therefore be seen that the process and apparatus is arranged and constructed for continuous line operation thereby making possible high capacity production for uniform, eflicient and economical packing of the pigs feet into suitable receptacles.

It is pointed out that the pigs feet will be precooked to the desired degree prior to the packing of these pigs feet into the jar receptacles. It is also pointed out that after the pigs feet have been packed into a receptacle, the receptacle is then supplied with a suitable pickling or preserving fluid such as vinegar in a well known manner and the receptacles are then closed by a suitable closure lid or cover.

From the foregoing it will be seen that a novel process and apparatus has been provided which permits continuous, highly efficient economic packing of pigs feet into receptacles in a minimum of time and with a minimum of effort thereby effecting a great saving of labor.

It will also be seen that the process and apparatus for packing pigs feet described in the preceding paragraphs not only is capable of high capacity production but also permits a single operator to very effectively carry out the entire operation with maximum provision for safety.

Thus it will be seen that this novel process and apparatus for packing pigs feet into receptacles produces improved results which cannot be obtained by any heretofore known comparable processes or apparatus.

It will of course be understood that various changes may 'be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for preshaping a quantity of irregularshaped meat-product, such as pigs feet, and packing the product into receptacles, said apparatus comprising a support,

an upwardly opening, generally channel-shaped elongate packing mold structure having both ends open and being shiftably mounted on said support for shifting movement relative thereto between a product-receiving position and a product-molding position,

means for shifting said packing mold structure between said product-receiving and said product molding positions,

a shaping and press member mounted for vertically shiftable movement between a retracted position spaced above said mold structure and an extended position into said mold structure, said shaping and press member having an arcuate surface engaging 'and compressing the product within the mold structure when said member is extended into the latter to shape the product into generally cylindrical form, said mold structure being disposed in vertical alignment with said shaping and press member when in said product-molding position and being shiftable out of vertical alignment with said shaping and press member when in said product-receiving position,

. means for vertically shifting said shaping and press member into and out of cooperating relation with said mold structure,

an extensible and retractable ejection member being disposed in coaxial relation with said mold structure when the latter is in the product-molding position and being axially extensible into said mold structure and retractable therefrom to cause the cylindrically shaped quantity of compressed product to be ejected therefrom,

means for axially shifting said ejection member into and out of said mold structure,

a receptacle holder for positioning and holding a receptacle such as a jar, with the mouth thereof in axial alignment and in communicating relation with said mold structure for receiving the cylindrically shaped quantity of product therefrom,

an automatic control means for sequentially operating said mold structure shifting means, said press member shifting means, and said ejection member shifting means,

said control means including a first actuating mechanism operable to actuate said mold structure shifting means to move said mold structure from the productreceiving position to the product-molding position, a second actuating mechanism operable to actuate said press member shifting means when said mold structure is in the product-molding position to extend the press member into cooperating relation with said mold structure when the latter is in the product molding position to thereby compress the product within the mold structure into cylindrically shaped form, and a third actuating mechanism operable to actuate 'said ejection member shifting means when said press member is in the extended position to thereby eject the pigs feet product from the mold structure and to pack the product. into a receptacle.

' 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said elongate packing mold structure is pivotally mounted on said support for swinging movement relative thereto about its longitudinal axis, said mold structure being disposed insubstantially inclined relation with respect to said support when in the product-receiving position and being disposed in substantially vertical relation with respect to said support when in said product-molding position.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first actuating mechanism is operable to actuate said mold structure shifting means to return said mold structure to the product-receiving position after said ejection member and said press member have been retracted.

4. Apparatus for preshaping a quantity of irregularshaped meat product, such as pigs feet, and packing the product into receptacles, said apparatus comprising a support including a horizontally disposed producthandling platform having an edge,

an upwardly opening, generally channel-shaped elongate packing mold structure pivotally mounted on said support for swinging movement relative thereto about its longitudinal axis between a productreceiving and a product-molding position, said mold structure being inclined and having one side thereof coextensive with said edge of the product-handling platform when in the product-receiving position for receiving a predetermined quantity of product therein, and being shiftable into substantially vertical relation Within the product-molding position,

means for shifting said packing mold structure between said product-receiving and said product-molding positions,

a shaping press member mounted for vertical shifting movement between a retracted position spaced above said mold structure and an extended position into said mold structure, said shaping and press member having an arcuate surface engaging and compressing the product within the mold structure when said member is extended into the latter to shape the product into generally cylindrical form, said mold structure being disposed in vertical'alignment with said shaping and press member when in said product-molding position and being shiftable out of vertical alignment with said shaping and press member when in said product-receiving position,

means for vertically shifting said shaping and press member into and out of cooperating relation with said mold structure,

an arcuate guard flange member rigidly connected to one side of said mold structure and projecting laterally therefrom and cooperating with said producthandling platform to define a continuous surface between said edge of the latter and the mold structure when the mold structure is in the product-molding position,

an extensible and retractable ejection member being disposed in coaxial relation with said mold structure when the latter is in the product-molding position and being axially extensible into said mold structure and retractable therefrom to cause the cylindrically shaped quantity of compressed product to be ejected therefrom,

means for axially shifting said ejection member into and out of said mold structure when the latter is in the product-molding position,

a a receptacle holder for positioning and holding a receptacle such as a jar, with the mouth thereof in axial alignment and in communicating relation with said mold structure for receiving the cylindrically shaped quantity of product therefrom,

automatic control means for sequentially operating said mold structure shifting means, said press member shifting means, and said ejection member shifting means,

' said control member including a first actuating mechanism operable to actuate said mold structure shifting means to move said mold structure from the product-receiving position to the product-molding position, a second actuating mechanism operable to actuate said press member shifting means when said mold structure is in the product-molding position to extend the press member into cooperating to shape the product into generally cylindrical form, said mold structure being disposed in vertical alignment with said shaping and press member when in said product-molding position and being shiftable relation with said mold structure when the latter is out of vertical alignment with said shaping and in said product-molding position to thereby compress press member when in said product-receiving pothe product within the mold structure into cylinsition, drically shaped form, and a third actuating mechmeans for vertically shifting said shaping and press anism operable to actuate said ejection member member into and out of cooperating relation with shifting means when said press member is in the said mold structure, extended position to thereby eject the product from an extensible and retractable ejection member being the mold structure and to pack the product into a disposed in coaxial relation with said mold structure receptacle. when the. latter is in the product-molding position 5. Apparatus for preshaping a quantity of irregularand being axially extensible into said mold structure shaped meat product, such as pigs feet, and packing the and retractable therefrom to cause the Y Y product into receptacles, said apparatus comprising Shaped quantity of compressed P to be 16mm a pp therefwm an upwardly opening, generally channel-shaped e means for axially shlftlng said e ection member into gate packing mold structure having both ends open and out of Sald mold i and being pivotally mounted on Said Support for 20 and a receptacle holder for posltiomng and hold1ng a swinging movement relative thereto about its longireqeptaqle such as a wlth h 5 m t l b t d d ax al alignment and 1n communlcatlng relat1on with u i axls e ween an q recelvmg said mold structure to receive the cyhndncally positron and a generally vertically disposed productshaped quantity of Product therefrom molding posltlon, means for shifting said packing mold structure between References Cited by the Examiner zzgsifiglrsduct-receiving and said product-molding UNITED STATES PATENTS a shaping and press member mounted for vertical 2624991 1/53 Chapman et shifting movement between a retracted position 2977732 4/61 Leonard at spaced above said mold structure and extended po- 3,001,345 9/61 53-258 X sition into said mold structure, said shaping and 3,040,654 6/62 Ople' press member having an arcuate surface engaging and compressing the product within the mold structure when said member is extended into the latter FRANK E. BAILEY, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT A. LEIGHEY, Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR PRESHAING A QUANTITY OF IRREGULARSHAPED MEAT PRODUCT, SUCH AS PIGS'' FEET, AND PACKING THE PRODUCT INTO RECEPTACLES, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING A SUPPORT, AN UPWARDLY OPENING, GENERALLY CHANNEL-SHAPED ELONGATE PACKING MOLD STRUCTURE HAVING BOTH ENDS OPEN AND BEING SHIFTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT FOR SHIFTING MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO BETWEEN A PRODUCT-RECEIVING POSITION AND A PRODUCT-MOLDING POSITION, MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID PACKING MOLD STRUCTURE BETWEEN SAID PRODUCT-RECEIVING AND SAID PRODUCT MOLDING POSITIONS, A SHAPING AND PRESS MEMBER MOUNTED FOR VERTICALLY SHIFTABLE MOVEMENT BETWEEN A RETRACTED POSITION SPACED ABOVE SAID MOLD STRUCTURE AND AN EXTENDED POSITION INTO SAID MOLD STRUCTURE, SAID SHAPING AND PRESS MEMBER HAVING AN ARCUATE SURFACE ENGAGING AND COMPRESSING THE PRODUCT WITHIN THE MOLD STRUCTURE WHEN SAID MEMBER IS EXTENDED INTO THE LATTER TO SHAPE THE PRODUCT INTO GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL FORM, SAID MOLD STRUCTURE HEING DISPOSED IN VERTICAL ALIGNMENT WITH SAID SHAPING AND PRESS MEMBER WHEN IN SAID PRODUCT-MOLDING POSITION AND BEING SHIFTABLE OUT OF VERTICAL ALIGNMENT WITH SAID SHAPING AND PRESS MEMBER WHEN IN SAID PRODUCT-RECEIVING POSITION, MEANS FOR VERTICALLY SHIFTING SAID SHAPING AND PRESS MEMBER IN AND OUT OF COOPERATING RELATION WITH SAID MOLD STRUCTURE, 